Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floors

Recently, we replaced the hardwood floor in our kitchen. The old one had become badly scuffed up over the years.

Needless to say, installing a new hardwood floor was expensive. It was indeed worthwhile, as it looks fantastic. But the last thing we want is for our new floor to get scuffed and scratched as the old one did.

So it was time to shop for a new vacuum cleaner for our hardwood floor. Our old vacuum was part of the problem.

Since I was already doing the hard work of searching for the best vacuum cleaner to use on my hardwood floor, I decided to go ahead and put together a comprehensive guide to the best hardwood vacuums in a number of categories.

Read on to view specifications, pros and cons, and recommended uses for highly rated vacuums for hardwood floors which are on the market today.

Top Vacuums for Hardwood Floors

Best Overall Vacuum for Hardwood Floors

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E

Highlights

Weighs only 13.7 pounds.

HEPA Filter.

Lift-away canister.

Brush roll switching.

Bagless.

Measures 15 x 11.4 x 45.5 inches.

Clean Hard-to-Reach Spaces

The Shark Navigator vacuum has a compact profile. Because it is small and lightweight, you should have an easy time maneuvering it. But for those extra hard-to-reach places, the canister can be detached, helping you to get into those tight spots.

Select the Brush Roll You Need

One of the best things about this model of vacuum cleaner is that it includes multiple settings are different flooring materials. When you are cleaning your carpet, you can select the standard brush. When you are cleaning your hardwood floor, you can choose the gentle brush.

PROS

With its HEPA filter, this vacuum is able to get rid of 99.9% of allergens and dust.

The vacuum is small, lightweight, and maneuverable.

The detachable canister feature helps you access tight spaces.

You have a choice of brush rolls, including a gentle brush for cleaning hardwood.

The price for this vacuum cleaner is quite reasonable with regard to its quality and features.

It is fast and easy to change attachments.

This vacuum cleaner does a great job picking up pet hair.

CONS

Customers report that if you do need to fall back on your warranty, this company is not always the most reliable one to deal with.

Overall Assessment

As an overall choice for hardwood floors as well as all of your other vacuuming needs throughout the house, it is hard to beat the Shark Navigator. It is lightweight, versatile, and easy to use while being both gentle and powerful.

Shark Navigator Vacuum NV356E Video Review

Best Upright Vacuum for Hardwood Floors: Bagged

Kenmore 31140 Pet & Allergy Friendly Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Highlights

Triple HEPA filtration system

Certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)

Power Flow technology

2 motors

Comes with three attachments

Adjustable height

LED headlights

Measures 14.5 x 14.5 x 45.8 inches

Weighs 19 pounds

Surprising Sleek and Lighweight

Upright vacuum cleaners tend to be on the cumbersome side. While the Kenmore 31140 is indeed not the lightest or thinnest vacuum around, it is not too unwieldy. 19 pounds isn’t that much heavier than some canister models.

Excellent for those with Allergy

Incidentally, this vacuum could also be listed among the best vacuums for dealing with allergies. The triple HEPA filter ensures that you can get the most dust, dander and pollen possible out of your home. The model is even certified by the AAFA.

PROS

You can use this vacuum on hardwood with some modifications (i.e., a softer brush (or just switch it off), and silicone O-rings to replace the rubber ones). The height adjustments are helpful too.

The HEPA filtration system does a great job of removing allergens.

The sleek design of the vacuum not only helps to minimize its profile but also makes it aesthetically appealing. Its blue-and-white colors contribute nicely to its design as well.

With two motors and Power Flow technology, this vacuum provides the suction you need for tough jobs.

The attachments included can assist you with vacuuming in tight spaces.

CONS

The hose is rather short, which may pose some logistical challenges in specific scenarios.

Overall Assessment

While this is not necessarily the top vacuum cleaner which I would recommend for hardwood floors, it is among the best options if you are intent on an upright model to use on your flooring. Just be prepared to make the necessary adjustments to protect your floor when you use it.

With its bagless system, this vacuum relies on a dirt holder. When it fills up, you need to empty it. Thankfully, this is super easy. You also need to clean it out now and again. This likewise takes little effort.

Lightweight and Powerful

While marginally heavier than the Kenmore 31140, this upright vacuum cleaner is still quite light. This makes it easy to maneuver. Its suction power is excellent, which means it does a great job even on hardwood.

PROS

The powerful suction of this vacuum cleaner makes it good at picking up pet hair, cat litter, and more.

With 5 modes available, you should be able to use this vacuum on just about any type of flooring in your house.

The high volume dust cup can pick up quite a bit before you need to empty it.

The Automatic Cord Rewind feature is awesome. Just push a button, and the cord will be retracted without any effort. This is a big time-saver.

Need to clean under your couch? You don’t have to fumble around with a flashlight. The LED on the vacuum will show you what is ahead.

CONS

Some units might suffer from a quality control defect which results in dust and dander coming back out of the unit rather than being pulled in.

Overall Assessment

For a bagless upright vacuum which works great on all types of floors and makes it easy to see what you are doing in tight spaces and under furniture, the Eureka NEU202 is worth thinking about.

You know how some vacuums spit back out a percentage of what they take in? The multi-cyclonic suction system in this vacuum cleaner prevents that. It also has a unique brush design which helps to reduce the number of passes you need to get a surface clean.

Great for Reaching Anywhere

Whether you need to dust the corners of your ceiling or you are trying to get under furnishings on your hardwood floor, the Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner makes it a breeze. The hose is 6 feet long, the power cord measures 25 feet long, and there are a variety of extensions to augment your vacuum.

PROS

This is a cost-effective vacuum cleaner.

The variety of height settings make the vacuum great for hardwood and other surfaces.

The extra-large dirt bin doesn’t need to be emptied too often.

Powerful and innovative technology reduces the amount of time and work required to operate this vacuum.

CONS

Some quality control issues may cause certain units to stop functioning after a short time. Most are unaffected.

Overall Assessment

If you want to keep costs low but enjoy the use of an efficient vacuum cleaner for a variety of floor types, the Bissell Cleanview may fit the bill.

Bissell 1831 Video Review

​Best Canister Vacuum for Hardwood Floors: Bagged

​Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum Cleaner - Corded

Highlights

6 motor speeds available. There is also an automatic setting.

HEPA AirClean filter

The electrobrush can be adjusted to different heights as needed.

The brush includes LED lighting.

Parquet twister

Includes a telescopic wand, a dusting brush, a crevice nozzle, and an upholstery tool.

Measures 19.5 x 11.2 x 8.9 inches

Weighs 19.4 pounds

Ideal for Hardwood

A lot of vacuum cleaners can be adapted for use on hardwood floors, but for most, it is an afterthought. That is not the case with the Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum Cleaner. This vacuum cleaner includes a brush designed especially for cleaning hardwood without scratching it.

Additionally, the wheels are well-designed and roll smoothly across your floor. Other vacuum wheels may scratch. Your purchase also includes a parquet which can twist 180 degrees. It helps you clean corners and leaves your hardwood looking polished.

Amazingly Maneuverable

Both the powerbrush and the parquet twister offer excellent maneuverability, making this vacuum cleaner refreshingly easy to use.

PROS

This vacuum cleaner is lightweight and maneuverable and includes useful tools and attachments, making it versatile for all of your needs.

With a variety of motor settings and adjustment heights, you can use this vacuum cleaner on many different flooring materials.

Unlike a lot of other vacuum cleaners, this one does not treat hardwood floors as an afterthought.

This vacuum cleaner is built to last up to 20 years of regular use.

CONS

Even with its popularity and high ratings, this vacuum cleaner is definitely expensive.

Overall Assessment

Being as there are so many specific features which make this vacuum cleaner ideal for hardwood floors, it would be my top overall recommendation if not for the high price. If you can afford this vacuum cleaner easily in your budget, you should strongly consider it.

Miele Complete C3 Video Review

Best Canister Vacuum for Hardwood Floors: Bagless

Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team Bagless Canister Vacuum

Highlights

1,200-W Miele-Made motor with Vortex Technology

62 miles/hour airflow

Includes a parquet twister and Turbo Brush

4 suction settings

Gore CleanStream Fine Dust Filter

HEPA Lifetime Filter

Hygienic emptying system

Also includes a crevice nozzle and an upholstery brush

Excellent for Hardwood Floors

Like the Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum Cleaner above, this vacuum cleaner has been designed with features which are specific to cleaning hardwood. These include a parquet twister to leave your floor looking polished as well as a brush, suction setting, and wheels which are appropriate for that type of flooring.

Great for Allergies

If you suffer from allergies, and they are aggravated when you empty out your current vacuum cleaner, you will love the hygienic emptying system which this vacuum is equipped with. This innovative system prevents dust from billowing out into the air as you are emptying the vacuum.

PROS

While expensive, this model costs less than the Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum Cleaner.

This vacuum cleaner has features which are ideal for your hardwood floors.

With its durable design and parts, this vacuum has been tested and proven to last. Properly cared for, you may be able to use it for up to 20 years.

The hygienic emptying system keeps dust from getting back into the air and on surfaces in your home.

The hygienic emptying system keeps dust from getting back into the air and on surfaces in your home.

CONS

The vacuum may emit a high pitched noise which some people find annoying. Then again, this may be subjective, as many people also feel that the vacuum cleaner performs quietly.

At a mere 9.9 pounds, this is one of the most lightweight vacuum cleaners on the market. You also have the option of converting it into a hand vacuum which weighs only 4.6 pounds.

Ease of Use for Hardwood Floors

With the push of a button, you can change the mode the vacuum is running in from carpet to hardwood. With the hardwood mode activated, the brush stops working, and the vacuum relies on a soft velour roller instead. This prevents your floors from being scratched and also helps to polish them while you are cleaning.

PROS

The bristle brush which the vacuum uses on rugs is able to reach deep enough to clean your carpets thoroughly.

The bristle brush which the vacuum uses on rugs is able to reach deep enough to clean your carpets thoroughly.

Both the array of tools included with the vacuum cleaner as well as the ability to separate the hand vac make it a versatile option for every room of the house.

With these tools and the LED lights, getting into dark corners and under furniture is easy.

Because this vacuum cleaner is so light, anyone with any build should be able to use it comfortably.

CONS

Some buyers who have had to fall back on the warranty say that it doesn’t cover everything.

Overall Assessment

Consider the SharkNinja Rocket DuoClean HV382 if you are in search of a lightweight vacuum cleaner which does an excellent job on hardwood floors. It is a good option if you merely want vacuuming to be more pleasant all around. But it is also well worth thinking about if you have back, neck, or shoulder problems which are exacerbated by heavier vacuum cleaners.

This is not only one of the lightest weight vacuum cleaners available, and it is also one of the best options for hardwood. It actually seems that it was manufactured with hardwood primarily in mind. It consistently does better on hardwood than on carpet. It cleans efficiently and does not scratch or scuff hardwood or tile.

PROS

The HEPA filter is washable. This means you do not need to replace it as frequently. Just take the time to maintain it.

With the crevice tool, you can get under furniture and into corners.

You only need to push a button to convert the vacuum from an upright to a handheld unit.

CONS

There may be some quality control issues involving suction power, but they only seem to impact a few units. Most ship out without a problem and feature powerful suction.

Overall Assessment

This vacuum cleaner may be a good choice if you do not need to clean a lot of rugs or carpets. So long as your floor is primarily hardwood or tile, this vacuum should be both effective and comfortable to use.

VonHaus 2 in 1 Corder Vacuum Cleaner Video Review

Best Cordless Vacuum for Hardwood Floors

​Dyson V6 Cord-Free Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Highlights

Motorized cleaner head

Washable filter

Up to 20 minutes of performance on a charge

Measures 9.8 x 8.2 x 46.4 inches

Weighs 4.5 pounds

Charge cord included

Automatic Switching Mode

This vacuum cleaner has a feature which allows it to detect what type of flooring it is being used on. It automatically adjusts its settings. That way, it can do an efficient job on both carpeting and hardwood without damaging hard surfaces.

A Good Value

With the push of a button, you can change the mode the vacuum is running in from carpet to hardwood. With the hardwood mode activated, the brush stops working, and the vacuum relies on a soft velour roller instead. This prevents your floors from being scratched and also helps to polish them while you are cleaning.

PROS

With no cord to deal with and a lightweight, convenient design, maneuvering this vacuum is a breeze. You can easily get it into tight spaces and move it from room to room without any hassles.

Because there is no cord, it is also easier to set up your vacuum for use or put it away.

Since the filter is washable, you can reuse it time and again. It is designed to last for the lifetime of the vacuum cleaner.

CONS

Battery life is not very long.

Overall Assessment

For those in search of an affordable, ultra-light vacuum cleaner without a cord, this model is worth considering. Just keep in mind that it is ideally suited to smaller cleaning tasks. If you have a large house to vacuum, you may want to look for a model which provides you with a longer battery charge. For a smaller house or apartment, however, it might be perfect.

The “Master” model of the Tineco A10 differs from the “Hero” model in a couple of key respects. One of those is battery life. The Hero model only can hold one battery at a time. The Master model is able to hold two. This gives you twice the battery life before you need to replace the batteries. So instead of having just 25 minutes to vacuum, you can vacuum for up to 50.

Clean Hardwood Carpet

The other difference between the “Hero” and “Master” models involves the ability to clean hardwood. While the Hero is less expensive than the Master, it does not include the hardwood brush. This model does, so it is ideal for all types of surfaces.

PROS

The continuous power mode switch lock which means you do not need to physically press down on the power button the entire time you are working.

This vacuum cleaner was designed to be as quiet as possible for unobtrusive work.

There is a unique feature which allows you to clean out the filter without rinsing for greater convenience.

Those who have a difficult time continuously pressing on a power button will strain their hands much less using the switch lock. This can even help people who suffer from shoulder or back problems.

The weight is very low, which further reduces fatigue.

You can empty the dustbin with the push of a button.

CONS

There are some complaints about suction power on some units which have shipped out, but the majority do not seem to be affected by this problem.

Overall Assessment

The Tineco A10 Master Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner makes for a good purchase if you are looking for something which is low maintenance, lightweight, and easy-to-use. Because it allows you to clean for up to 50 minutes at a time before changing the batteries, it is a better choice for larger homes than the competing Dyson V6 Cord-Free Stick Vacuum Cleaner.

If you are on a tight budget and are not concerned about high noise levels, the Dirt Devil SD20505 can provide you with the high performance you need and the essential features required for simple cleaning jobs.

Includes a Pet Handi-Mate®, a dusting + crevice tool, and a telescoping wand

35-foot cord

Measures 14.2 x 13.8 x 45.8 inches

Weighs 20 pounds

Versatile for All Types of Flooring

With five different height adjustments as well as a button you can push to deactivate the beater brush, this vacuum is safe and effective to use on carpeting, tile, and hardwood.

Intelligent Cleaning Features

One cool feature of this vacuum cleaner is the Infrared Dirt Sensor. The sensor is able to monitor your cleaning as you go. If there is a spot which requires more cleaning, it will turn on an LED light to inform you. Once you have adequately cleaned that spot, the light will go off.

PROS

The cord for this vacuum cleaner is significantly longer than it is for many competing models.

While this is one of the heavier vacuum cleaners on this list, at 20 pounds, it is still reasonably easy to use.

With the beltless agitator, less maintenance is necessary.

The height adjustments, modes, and tools make this vacuum cleaner versatile for a range of cleaning scenarios.

The triple HEPA filtration system is able to clear as much as 99.97% of debris and allergens from the surfaces you vacuum. For its efficiency, this vacuum has received certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

The powerful motor produces the intense section you need to get the job done.

CONS

Dust can sometimes come out the sides of this vacuum cleaner, which can be an irritation.

Overall Assessment

This model is similar to the Kenmore 31140, but with some upgraded features. Either one is an excellent choice if you have allergies.

Kenmore Elite 31150 Video Review

Best Robotic Hardwood Floors Vacuum

​iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum

Highlights

3-stage cleaning system

Multi-surface brushes with auto-adjust head

Dirt detect sensors

90 minutes of vacuuming on a single charge

WiFi connectivity

Edge-sweeping brush

Make Vacuuming Effortless

You can pair up the iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for scheduling and control. When the robot runs out of battery power, it will automatically head for the docking station and begin recharging.

Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier

You can program the robot with an awareness of virtual “walls” anywhere you choose. This means you have perfect control over its cleaning path.

PROS

With a little patience and time, you should be able to get excellent, dependable results with this robot. Over the long run, using it involves a lot less effort than using a regular manual vacuum cleaner.

Because of the robot’s flat profile, it can squeeze under your couch and reach places you never could with a manual vacuum.

An array of smart features make it easy to customize this robot and step back and watch it work its magic.

CONS

Not all customers are satisfied with the robot’s intelligence. You may want to consider the complexity of the vacuuming tasks you are assigning before you purchase a cleaning robot.

Overall Assessment

If you are in the market for a robotic vacuum cleaner which can handle hardwood, this one is a worthy option.

iRobot Roomba 690 Video Review

Conclusion

Whether you are shopping for an upgrade or canister vacuum cleaner, a corded or cordless model, or a bagged or bagless model, there are many excellent options available today which will clean your hardwood floors effectively without damaging them.

Hopefully, you have found a vacuum cleaner among the models above which will serve your needs for years to come.

No Responses

[…] thorough clean, before you get to washing the floors it might be a good idea to buy yourself the best vacuum for hardwood floors to help you vacuum out the grime and dirt before pouring water all over the place. It’s never […]

[…] hardwood floor could come with the more expensive option of installing a new floor, but with the best vacuum for hardwood floors, you will never have to worry about getting your floor scuffed, scratched or even being replaced. […]

As seen on

The Popular Home is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.